Are three gears enough on a bike?

[perfection]

The bike I want has 3 speed internal gears and I don't know whether this would be enough. It is for general cycling - not long distance or off road, but to the shops and on cycle paths. I would not plan on going up too many hills, but obviously can't avoid hills completely.

 

[Paul]

its how you feel ....and how steep you go

 

[Lord_Darkclaw]

Yes it is, I ride an old 1980's/early 90's Raleigh Chiltern which has 3-speed sturmey-archer gears and it's fine on moderate hills. For steep hills the option of lower gearing makes things a lot easier but a 3-speed will probably be good enough for what you need it to do.